{"id":39420,"date":"2026-02-15T00:08:24","date_gmt":"2026-02-14T11:08:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/liyanitsolution.online\/wanakamountainguides\/?post_type=trip&p=39420"},"modified":"2026-03-16T12:59:53","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T23:59:53","slug":"gillespie-pass-trek","status":"publish","type":"trip","link":"https:\/\/liyanitsolution.online\/wanakamountainguides\/trip\/gillespie-pass-trek\/","title":{"rendered":"Gillespie Pass Trek"},"content":{"rendered":"

Gillespie Pass Trek<\/span><\/p>\n

The Gillespie Pass trek is a classic journey through the heart of the Mount Aspiring National Park. Traversing between the Young, Siberia, and Wilkin Valleys. The crossing of the pass traverses past the formidable ramparts of Mount Awful. From the Siberia Valley, there are side trips to iceberg lakes, waterfalls, and viewpoints. The trip finishes with a descent into the Wilkin Valley and an exciting jet boat ride out. We offer trips for small private groups or scheduled mixed groups.<\/p>\n

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Price: from $1790 pp<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Duration: 4 days<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Maximum group size: 4<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rating: Moderate<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Itinerary<\/h2>\n
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\"Wanaka<\/figure>\n
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Day 1<\/strong><\/p>\n

15km, 500m ascent, 6-7 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trips start at the Wanaka Mountain Guides\u2019 Base. Accommodation is available in our\u00a0Kea Lodge<\/a>, you can meet here, or we can either pick you up from your accommodation in town. After gear checks, the group travels 45 minutes from Wnaka to the village of Makaroa. It is a short jet boat ride from Makarora to the confluence of the Young and Makarora rivers.<\/p>\n

The routes follow the Young River to the confluence of the North Branch and upwards through the bush to Young Hut. Alternatively, it is possible to continue a few more kilometres to camp above the bush line in the upper valley.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Wanaka<\/figure>\n
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Day 2<\/strong><\/p>\n

9km, 700m ascent, 1100m descent, 6-8 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the next day climb into the head of the Young Valley and steeply up and and over Gillespie Pass. The descent into Gillespie Stream past the flanks of Mount Awful and options for campsites. It is then the final descent into Siberia Valley and the hut.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Wanaka<\/figure>\n
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Day 3<\/strong><\/p>\n

14km, 700m ascent\/descent, 5-6 hours for Lake Crucible<\/strong><\/p>\n

The third day is a weather contingency day for the pass crossing. If already at Siberia Hut, it is possible to do a side trip with light packs to Lake Crucible, which holds icebergs from winter snows until late in the season or explore further up the Siberia valley.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"Wanaka<\/figure>\n
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Day 4<\/strong><\/p>\n

5km, 300m descent, 2-3 hours<\/strong><\/p>\n

On the last day the track descends into the Wilkin Valley and Kerin Forks for the final jet boat back to Makarora with\u00a0Wilkin River Jets<\/a>\u00a0arriving back in W?naka around 17:00.<\/p>\n

Alternatively, it is possible to fly out from the Siberia Valley.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Gillespie Pass Trek Fitness and Difficulty Requirements<\/h2>\n

Despite the modest distances, the Gillespie Pass Trek requires good trekking fitness to travel on unmaintained routes, through a variety of underfoot conditions.<\/p>\n

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\"Wanaka<\/figure>\n

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\"W?naka<\/figure>\n
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Trekking fitness of up to 15km a day with ascents and descents of up to 1000m. Packs of personal and group equipment will range between 10 \u2013 15kg.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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\"W?naka<\/figure>\n
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Requires some experience on DOC tracks and overnight hut or camping stays.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Equipment<\/h2>\n
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\"W?naka<\/figure>\n
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Accommodation is in public DOC huts or wilderness camping. Tents, cooking and camping equipment are provided.<\/p>\n

You will need good personal outdoor clothing for the mountains and comfortable trekking boots. The route has many river and stream crossings so boots may get wet and stay wet.<\/p>\n

You will be expected to carry your personal gear, some group equipment, and some fresh food to supplement our food caches.<\/p>\n

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Equipment List<\/a><\/div>\n
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Pricing and Details<\/h2>\n
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Duration: 4-days (3-day option also available)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Maximum ratio: 1:4<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2025\/26 Group Dates:<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n